TierramadreLandscape.com

Years ago I worked in a amateur way in gardening maintenance. I realice that I liked it a lot but I don't have the specific knoledge and experience to start a landscape and gardening design business. I have the feeling that I have the creativity for doing this but of course this is not all. Could someone help me telling me the kind of tools that I would require to start this gradually? Maybe I would requiere to know some landscape design software, etc. In short, what kind of tools would be necesary to have and learn. Maybe the thing would be more complex like doing an Business plan? I'll thank any advice. Chris

mower

bobcat

trimmers

Edger


Gardener: A truck or trailer to carry your equipment and debris (although some enterprising people have even started without this). A lawn mower, rake, broom, and other small hand tools. Buy your equipment used if necessary, but shop carefully.

Landscaper: Basically you need hand tools and a truck or trailer. To start with most other tools you can rent.

Interiorscaper: A car or truck is necessary, watering cans, and assorted small hand tools.

>From the basic requirements to start it would seem that interiorscaping requires the smallest capital outlay. This is correct, but starting an interiorscape business is more difficult in other ways. It requires a better understanding of the trade. Indoor plants are much more difficult to maintain. Also, acquiring accounts is not as easy as in outdoor work. Most, if not all, interiorscape accounts will be commercial, as opposed to the residential work of gardeners.

For gardeners and landscapers a truck or trailer is a must, but as I mentioned earlier it is possible to start without one for some work. If you are doing maintenance you may be able to get accounts that will allow you to use their equipment and not require you to haul away debris. You will be expected to work very inexpensively, though. If you can get a truck do so.

For both gardeners and landscapers another source of income is from clean-ups. This is simply a one-time job of cleaning up an overgrown landscape. These jobs are hard work, but can be quite profitable.

In every business you have to contend with the government. Service businesses are no different. Before you get started investigate what is required in your area. Most likely you will need a business license from your city. The state may require a contractor's license or certification for landscape contractors. Most likely your state will require a pest control license if you intend to apply pesticides. Check out all the city, state, and federal rules before you start.


misc hand tools rakes shovels

2007-08-27 16:08:24 by Quantex

Extracts from a MasterClass; given by landscape design legend, John Brookes at the Oxford College of Garden Design in March 2010

Get a job at your local, privately owned garden center. You could work retail, or as a landscape laborer. Experience is worth the time it takes. I grew up in a family owned garden center while my father was teaching Plant & Soil Science at a university. By the time I was 17, I was grading his student's papers for him.

2006-08-18 13:47:43 by Andy

Price: $18.95

I'm looking for Forums on the topics of landscape gardening/design and home improvements. Tried doing a search but could only find a couple which were not very active (few members). Can anyone help? Thanks.
Thanks for answers so far but I was looking for UK specific forums in particular.

I don't know if this will help but there are a ton of forums for all kinds of things. www.gardenweb.com. Then click on forums and you will see a large list of all kinds of subjects.

2008-05-13 06:57:16 by Stephen

Price: $19.95

I've been thinking seriously for a while now about taking classes, or working toward a degree, in Landscape or Garden Design. I found this one, which suits my budget and current time limitations (just had a baby) but don't want to do it if it'll only get me laughed at when I start looking for work in the field. I'd be happy starting out anywhere from a garden supply store/greenhouse/nursery, or at a landscape design company.

Actually your last statement is what you need to do. Just go get a job at a nursery and go from there. Landscape design is not something you can learn online. Sure the online courses can help but I think it may be a waste of money. If you have a community college near you that would be a much better choice. The art of landscape design cannot be learned in books it must be learned in the field. So get a job first then work with them in the field and the whole time learn about the plants and techniques. Then if you want go to a local community college and take some courses in horticulture or agronomy. Then lastly you may want to read these reports about ashworth. Good luck to you in your future of landscapes.
http://ripoffreport.com/Search/Ashworth+ College.aspx

2009-08-12 12:29:00 by me

Im looking to do a landscape/garden design and construction course at a college in England, does anyone know the best courses or colleges that do this sort of thing.
Thanks.

Why not contact the royal horticultural society and see if they can give you some advice.

2008-12-13 04:17:42 by JustK